Women from minoritised ethnicities’ perception of cervical screening information leaflets in the UK

Cervical screening rates are dropping in the UK, with non-attendance rates remaining higher in those from minoritised ethnicities. Amongst barriers to attendance includes a lack of awareness of risk of cervical cancer and understanding of the role of screening. Information leaflets given with invitations to screening could address this, but these are generally seen as difficult to understand. This study explored the perception of women from minoritised ethnicities of two versions of a cervical screening information leaflet. Forty-two women from minoritised ethnicities completed an online qualitative survey. Half the participants were asked questions about the UK NHS cervical screening leaflet, whilst half were asked about a version that had been redesigned with patient and public involvement. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six themes describe participants’ experience of holding concerns about screening, whilst being unable to discuss this with family members. The current leaflet was perceived as containing abundant information but is hard to navigate and intimidating. The redesign was perceived to address concerns about screening and was viewed as consoling readers into attendance. Redesigning the current UK NHS leaflet may help encourage people from minoritised ethnicities to attend cervical screening. Future research could investigate where people who are not engaging with cervical screening can go to have conversations about their concerns.